Portable light system for performing quality control

ABSTRACT

A mobile surface inspection system having a base, at least one extendable arm coupled to the base, a hollow tubular member coupled to the base, and a processor, and a method of using the same. The base has at least one front leg, at least one back leg, and at least one wheel. The extendable arm has four extension members and there is a pivotable joint connected to the fourth extension member. A light fixture is removably connected to the pivotable joint. The processor is configured to receive an image of the surface when illuminated by the light fixture, apply a high-pass filter to the image, identify surface imperfections from the filtered image. and output a position for each of the surface imperfections.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This United States Non-Provisional Patent Application is a nationalphase entry of and claims priority to PCT Application No.PCT/US2022/029199, titled “Portable System for Preparing QualityControl,” filed May 13, 2022, which claims priority to U.S. PatentApplication No. 63/188,383, titled “Portable Light System for PerformingQuality Control,” filed May 13, 2021, the contents of which areincorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

A significant portion of the construction in the United States usedrywall as a finish material in both residential and commercialconstruction projects. The drywall must be affixed to studs or othermaterial. The drywall comes is large sheets that are generally screwedto underlying studs. The joints between the sheets are then taped offand a drywall joint compound applied. This drywall joint compound isgenerally sanded down until the joints between sheets of drywall areundetectable. The finished wall is then painted. It not uncommon,however, for the drywall joint compound or the paint to produce smallimperfections that are difficult to detect. As a result, constructioncrews must sometimes return to a job site to repair these imperfectionsonce the owner has detected the imperfections. If the contractor doesreturn to a jobsite to repair such imperfections, the contractor mayhave to locate the imperfections and then repair the imperfections, bothof which require time and expense. There is therefore a need for asystem and method for detecting these imperfections before thecontractor has left the construction site.

The automotive industry also suffers from a similar problem when itcomes to completing body work. High or low points in body panels can bedifficult to detect and the cost to repair only increases if atechnician has to revisit and revise the work.

SUMMARY

The present invention satisfied that need. The present invention isdirected to a mobile surface inspection system comprising a base, atleast one extendable arm coupled to the base, a hollow tubular membercoupled to the base, and optionally, a processor.

The base has at least one front leg, at least one back leg, and at leastone wheel coupled to one of the legs.

Optionally the base can have two front legs pivotably coupled to thebase, each having a detent locking system, two back legs rigidly coupledto the base, and there can be four wheels, wherein each wheel is coupledto one of the legs. Each wheel can have a lock that can be engaged toprevent movement of the wheel.

The extendable arm comprises a hollow first extension member, a secondextension member, a hollow third extension member, and fourth extensionmember. The first extension member is coupled to the base and has anopen distal end. The second extension member is configured to nestinside the first extension member and to extend out of and retract intothe open distal end of the first extension member. The third extensionmember has an open distal end, and the fourth extension member isconfigured to nest inside the third extension member and to extend outof and retract into the open distal end of the third extension member.

There can be a bracket coupled to a distal end of the second extensionmember, and the bracket can have an extension extending from a centerportion of bracket to which the third extension member is coupled.

There is a pivotable joint connected to the fourth extension member anda light fixture removably connected to the pivotable joint. The lightfixture can be configured to illuminate a surface from within threeinches of the surface.

The hollow tubular member has a proximal end and a distal end, and theproximal end is coupled to the base. The tubular member can extend fromthe base substantially parallel to the first extension member.

The processor is configured to receive an image of the surface whenilluminated by the light fixture, apply a high-pass filter to the image,identify surface imperfections from the filtered image, and output aposition for each of the surface imperfections.

The system can further comprise a power cord coupled to the lightfixture and extending down to the hollow tubular member, wherein thecord is configured to retract into and extend out of the open distal endof the hollow tubular member.

The system can have a crossbar coupled to and extending between thedistal end of the first extension member and the distal end of thehollow tubular member.

There can be a handle coupled to the extendable arm bracket.

A method of using the mobile surface inspection system comprises thesteps of providing the system, turning on the light fixture, placing thesystem in close proximity to a surface to be inspected, receiving animage of the surface on the processor, applying a high-pass filter tothe image, identifying surface imperfections from the filtered image,and outputting a position for each of the surface imperfections.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example and notlimitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the mobile surface inspection system(MSIS) with telescopic arm extended, in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mobile surface inspection systemwith telescopic arm extended, in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mobile surface inspection systemwith telescopic arm retracted, in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the mobile surface inspection systemwith telescopic arm retracted, in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the mobile surface inspection systemwith telescopic arm retracted, in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the mobile surface inspection systemwith the light fixture in stow configuration, in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the mobile surface inspection system inthe fully collapsed configuration, in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross section of a wall with surface imperfections, inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a side view of a wall with surface imperfections, inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a process of identifying surfaceimperfections, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As used herein, the following terms and variations thereof have themeanings given below, unless a different meaning is clearly intended bythe context in which such term is used.

The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” and similar referents used herein are tobe construed to cover both the singular and the plural unless theirusage in context indicates otherwise.

As used in this disclosure, the term “comprise” and variations of theterm, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” are not intended to excludeother additives, components, integers ingredients or steps.

The terms “computer,” “computer device,” and “server” as used herein,refers to a device and/or system of devices that include at least onecomputer processing element, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), andsome form of computer memory having a capability to store data. Thecomputer may comprise hardware, software, and firmware for receiving,storing, and/or processing data as described below. For example, acomputer or computer device may comprise any of a wide range of digitalelectronic devices, including, but not limited to, a server, a desktopcomputer, a laptop, a smart phone, a tablet, or any form of electronicdevice capable of functioning as described herein.

The term “database” as used herein, refers to any form of one or more(or combination of) relational databases, object-oriented databases,hierarchical databases, network databases, non-relational (e.g. NoSQL)databases, document store databases, in-memory databases, programs,tables, files, lists, or any form of programming structure or structuresthat function to store data as described herein.

The term “computer memory” as used herein refers to any tangible,non-transitory storage that participates in providing instructions to aprocessor for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, includingbut not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and anyequivalent media known in the art. Non-volatile media includes, forexample, ROM, magnetic media, and optical storage media. Volatile mediaincludes, for example, DRAM, which typically serves as main memory.Common forms of computer memory include, for example, hard drives andother forms of magnetic media, optical media such as CD-ROM disks, aswell as various forms of RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, FLASH-EPROM, solid statemedia such as memory cards, and any other form of memory chip orcartridge, or any other medium from which a computer can read. Whileseveral examples are provided above, these examples are not meant to belimiting, but illustrative of several common examples, and any similaror equivalent devices or systems may be used that are known to thoseskilled in the art.

The term “processor” as used herein refers to a number of processingdevices including personal computing devices, servers, general purposecomputers, special purpose computers, application-specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), and digital/analog circuits with discrete components,for example.

All dimensions specified in this disclosure are by way of example onlyand are not intended to be limiting. Further, the proportions shown inthese Figures are not necessarily to scale. As will be understood bythose with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure, theactual dimensions and proportions of any system, any device or part of adevice or system disclosed in this disclosure will be determined by itsintended use.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 , the invention in the preferred embodimentis a mobile surface inspection system (MSIS) 100 configured to assistwith quality control on construction sites, home improvement projects,and automotive or autobody shops, for example. In particular, the MSIS100 is configured to illuminate a wall or other surface in order toreveal surface imperfections or other irregularities in the surface.When the MSIS 100 is placed directly adjacent to a wall, for example,light from the MSIS 100 propagates nearly parallel to the surface of thewall. In the process, imperfections in the wall generally appear aseither “hot spots” or “dark spots” depending on the nature of theimperfection. The imperfections can easily be identified and remedied inorder to produce a more uniform, more pleasing surface. In cases inwhich the wall is newly painted, the imperfections may take the form ofunpainted spots on the wall. Once revealed with light, the imperfectionsare identified, located, and logged for future repair by the user orother person.

The same concept applies to the automotive industry. When body work isperformed on a vehicle, imperfections (such as low spots or high spots)in the body panels can be hard to detect. The MSIS 100 of the presentinvention can be used to quickly detect, log, and track theseimperfections so that they may be rectified before the techniciancompletes their work, avoiding the need for the technician to revisitthe vehicle after the fact. The MSIS 100 can also prevent customerdissatisfaction, as the likelihood of a construction site, or a vehicle,being returned to the customer with imperfections can be reduced.

The MSIS 100 in the preferred embodiment includes a rolling base 102, atleast one extendable arm 130, and pivotable light fixture 160. Therolling base 102 includes a rigid base plate 110, a plurality of legmembers, and at least one wheel 116. The plurality of leg membersinclude at least one front leg 112 and at least one back leg 114, butpreferably two front legs 112 and two back legs 114. Each front leg 112and each back leg 114 has a proximal end 104, 104A and a distal end 106,106A, respectively. Optionally, the distal end 106A of the at least oneback leg 114 is rigidly mounted to the base plate 110 while the distalend 106 of the at least one front leg 112 is rotatably connected to thebase plate 110 by means of a hinge and detent locking system. In thepreferred embodiment, the detent locking system for each leg 112includes a spring-loaded pin 118 that secures the respective leg 112 ineither a collapsed configuration or in an operation configuration. Theoperation configuration is shown in FIGS. 1-6 . The collapsedconfiguration is shown in FIG. 7 . To alternate between theseconfigurations, the user need only depress the spring-loaded pin 118 todisengage the front leg 112 from the base plate 110, swing the front leg112 to the new position, and allow the spring-loaded pin 118 to securethe front leg 112 in the new position. Optionally, the legs 112, 114 areremovably coupled to the base plate 110 such that the MSIS 100 can bedissembled if necessary.

In the preferred embodiment, the front legs 112 are splayed outward,away from the base plate 110, such that proximal ends 104 of each of thefront legs 112 are further away from each other than the distal ends 106of the front legs 112. This configuration creates open space between thelegs 112 and permits the MSIS 100 to maneuver around obstacles includingportions of wall, furniture, and equipment, for example.

The wheels 116 in the preferred embodiment can be any type of wheel, butpreferably are caster wheels. The wheels 116 may include locks 108 toprevent the wheels 116 from rolling and/or turning once positioned in adesired location. The locks 108 may be foot-operated for the convenienceof the user.

The extendable arm 130 is a telescopic arm including at least two,preferably, four extension members 131, 132, 133, 134 that nest withinone another, and each member has a proximal end and a distal end. Thefirst and lowest extension member 131 is rigidly affixed to the baseplate 110 via its proximal end and is hollow such that the distal end ofthe first extension member 131 is open and configured to receive thesecond extension member 132. The second extension member 132 nestswithin and extends out of the first extension member 131.

There is a bracket 135, having two opposed ends, where one end of thebracket 135 is coupled to the distal end of the second extension member132, and the other end of the bracket 135 has an opening 137therethrough. Positioned along a center of the bracket 135 is anextension 139 that extends from the bracket 135 and to which the thirdextension member 133 is coupled. The third extension member 133 is alsohollow, where the distal end is open and configured to receive andretain the fourth extension member 134.

Optionally, the third extension member 133 is coupled directly to thesecond extension member 132.

The distal end of the fourth extension member 134 is coupled to thelight fixture 160 via a ball joint 150. The ball joint 150 is configuredto rotate the light fixture 160 in approximately 180 degrees in thehorizontal plane and approximately 180 degrees in the vertical plane. Assuch, the light fixture 160 can be oriented in a wide variety of anglesto accommodate any of a number of scenarios in the field. When properlyoriented, the ball joint 150 is locked to prevent further movement.

In the preferred embodiment, the user raises the light fixture 160 tothe desired height and then locks the extension members 131, 132, 133,134 in place with threaded knobs. Each threaded knob is mounted in oneextension member 131, 132, 133, 134 and then bears down on anotherextension member 131, 132, 133, 134 when rotated clockwise. The threadedknobs therefore create friction that prevents slippage of one extensionmember 131, 132, 133, 134 relative to one another. In the preferredembodiment, one threaded knob secures the first extension member 131 tothe second extension member 132 while another threaded knob secures thethird extension member 133 to the fourth extension member 134.

In the preferred embodiment, the extendable arm 130 has a maximum reachof approximately six feet, thereby positioning the light fixture 160approximately six feet in the air. In other embodiments, the extendablearm 130 reaches approximately twelve feet in the air or higher.

The extendable arm 130 further includes an extension cord 138 forpowering the light fixture 160. The extension cord 138, preferably acoiled cord, can easily elongate when the extendable arm 130 is fullydeployed. When in the collapsed configuration however, the coiled cord138 retracts into a hollow, tubular housing 136 running substantiallyparallel to the first extension member 131. The tubular housing 136 hastwo opposed ends, wherein the proximal end is rigidly coupled to thebase plate 110, and the distal end is open and coupled to a crossbar141. Crossbar 141 is also coupled to the first extension member 131. Thecord 138 extends from the tubular housing 136, through the crossbar 141,through the opening 137 in the bracket 135, and up to the light fixture160. This configuration is ideal because it prevents the cord 138 fromhaving an opportunity to get tangled and ensures the cord 138 extendsand retracts without issues.

The extendable arm 130 further includes a handle 140 and the handle 140can be coupled to any of the extensions 131, 132, 133, 134, butpreferably, the handle 140 is coupled, or an integral part of thebracket 135 as shown in the figures.

In the preferred embodiment, the light fixture 160 is a fluorescentlight box with at least one bulb. In other embodiments, the lightfixture 160 includes one or more incandescent light bults, halogenbulbs, or a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) light elements. Insome embodiments, the plurality of LED light elements are configured tocreate substantially all colors in the RGB (red green blue) spectrum,thereby enabling the user to select a color that best revealsimperfections and/or missing spots of paint. The light fixture 160 isfurther characterized by an optical axis that is perpendicular to theface of the light fixture 160 or perpendicular to an aperture from whichlight is projected.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7 , the detachability of the light fixture160 from the ball joint 150 is shown. In particular, the light fixture160 includes a clamp 151 designed to latch onto a pair of tubes 162affixed to the ball joint 150. When collapsing the MSIS 100, the clamp151 is unlocked from the tubes 162 adjacent to the ball joint 150 andreattached to similar tubes in the extendable arm 130. In this positionon the arm 130, the light fixture 160 can be transported safely withminimal risk of breakage to the light 160.

To perform a quality control procedure with respect to a wall, forexample, the MSIS 100 is rolled close to the wall (or other surface tobe examined) and the wheels 116 are locked. The extendable arm 130 isdeployed until the light fixture 160 is roughly aligned with thevertical center of the wall, and the arm then locked in place. The lightfixture 160 is positioned within several inches of the wall and theoptical axis set approximately normal to the wall.

In this configuration, the light from the light fixture 160 propagatesoutward roughly parallel to the wall. While light propagates away fromthe fixture 160 and impinges on a large portion of wall, the intensityof light falls off in a gradient pattern as a function of distance fromthe light fixture 160. When the light impinges on an imperfection thatprotrudes from the wall, the protrusion captures more light than thesurrounding area, thus resulting in a “hot spot”. In addition, portionsof wall are partially or fully shaded by the protrusion, thus making theimperfect easy to identify. In the cases of a recess or indent in thewall, light fails to illuminate the recess due the proximity of thelight fixture 160 to the wall, thus yielding a shadow or “dark spot”.Again, the recess imperfection is easy to identify. The MSIS 100 is usedin a similar fashion in the automotive industry, where low spots or highspots can be identified along a body panel, for example.

When finished with a quality control procedure, the MSIS 100 is returnedto its collapsed configuration so it may be rolled off the job site. Tocollapse the MSIS 100, the extendable arm 130 is collapsed down, asshown in FIGS. 3-5 . The light fixture 160 is then removed from the balljoint 150 and mounted directly to the back side of the extendable arm130, as shown in FIG. 6 . Next, the front legs 112 are unlocked andfolded upward against the extendable arm 130, as shown in FIG. 7 . Theuser may then grasp the handle 140 and roll the MSIS 100 off the jobsite.

The system 100 and its components can be made from any material,including but not limited to metal, such as steel, aluminum, ortitanium, among others, composite materials, fiber materials, plasticmaterials, or any other material that would be known to a person ofordinary skill in the art and would be reasonable to use.

Illustrated in cross section in FIG. 8 and in elevation view in FIG. 9is the MSIS 100 illuminating a wall 180 with two surface imperfectionsincluding a recess 810 and a protrusion 812. As shown, with the lightfixture 160 in close proximity to the wall, the resulting light patternis in generally in the form of a gradient that tapers off in intensitywith distance from the light fixture 160. Even with reduced intensity,however, the present invention 100 easily reveals imperfections. Asshown, the angle of light 860 prevents the recess 810 from beingilluminated, thus producing a noticeable shadow at the recess 810. Theprotrusion 812, in turn, is brightly illuminated on the side facing thelight fixture 160 and dark 814 behind the protrusion 812 due toshadowing.

In some embodiments, the invention 100 further includes a processor foranalyzing one or more images of a wall or surface for imperfectionsusing, for example, artificial intelligence or machine learning. Asillustrated in the flowchart in FIG. 10 , the processor is configured toacquire 1010 at least one image of the wall (or other surface to beexamined) from a camera on a mobile phone device, for example.Additional images may be necessary where the wall (or other surface) islarge or the camera's field of view is too narrow. The image must beacquired when the MSIS 100 is both close to the wall (or other surfaceto be examined) (for example, within several inches) and the light 160is powered on. Optionally, the processor acquires 1010 a video of thesurface. The processor then applies 8020 a high-pass filter ordifferential filter to the image/video. While the light 160 from theMSIS 100 produces a gradient pattern, the gradient is slowly varying andtherefore suppressed by the high-pass filter operation. Imperfections,by contrast, are very localized and therefore persist after high-passfiltering.

The imperfections are then identified 8030 in the image/video andlogged. Other structures—including light switches, plugs, doors,windows, shelves, vents, door handles, vehicle door handles, vehiclewindows, vehicle side mirrors, etc.—can also be identified and omittedfrom the log of identified imperfections. The processor then determines8040 the position of these imperfections from the filteredimage(s)/video. The positions may be marked with a circle or an arrow,for example, on the original image/video of the wall/surface or by x-ycoordinates with respect to the end of the wall/surface or some otherfeature in the image(s)/video. The positions of those imperfections arethen outputted 8050 or otherwise reported to the user in the form of alist, e.g., a punch list, or report, either static or interactive. Theuser may then fix the imperfections or transmit the report to anotherperson responsible for fixing the imperfections.

Optionally, the positions of the imperfections are outputted 8050 to anapplication on a mobile device, such a tablet, computer, laptop ormobile phone, that allows the user (or other person responsible forfixing the imperfections) to interact with and view the imperfectionsand indicate when each one has been addressed. The application thenprovides a report back to the user to notify them when the work has beencompleted. This also allows the user to check-in, in real time, to seewhat the status is of the work and determine how much has been completedand still needs to be completed.

Optionally, the processor and camera are integrated into the lightfixture 160, coupled to the light fixture 160, or mounted on theextendable arm 130 proximate the light fixture 160.

Optionally, the user can use a device, mobile device or otherwise, thathas LIDAR (light detection and ranging) capabilities, and that devicecan be used to detect the surface imperfections, which can then betracked and logged from there.

As one skilled in the art will appreciate, having a list ofimperfections and their location enables a person to easily locate andfix the imperfections even if the person was not present when thequality control operation was implemented. As such, a general contractorcan use the MSIS system 100 to identify imperfections and then transmitthat list of imperfections to the drywall and/or paint subcontractor.The subcontractor can then return to the job site, locate all theimperfections, and fix those imperfections all at once. Without thepresent invention, the subcontractor may fail to identify someimperfections and, therefore, need to make one or more additional visitsto the job site to fix those additional imperfections. Using the presentinvention therefore ensures that all imperfections are repaired in theleast amount of time with the least amount of cost/effort.

The same concept applies to the automotive industry. An automotivesupervisor can use the MSIS system 100 to identify imperfections andthen transmit that list of imperfections to the technician that isresponsible for the work. The technician can then return to the vehicle,locate all the imperfections, and fix those imperfections all at once.Without the present invention, the technician and/or supervisor may failto identify some imperfections and, therefore, need to have the customerreturn the vehicle in order to fix those additional imperfections thatwere missed. Using the present invention therefore ensures that allimperfections are repaired in the least amount of time with the leastamount of cost/effort.

In some embodiments, the imperfections may be used to generate a qualitymetric that is then associated with a person, technician and/orcontractor. That is, the number of imperfections discovered as well asthe nature of the imperfections (depth or size) may be used to generatea rating for characterizing the proficiency of the person, technicianand/or contractor performing the work. A highly qualified contractor,for example, may generate on average a small number of imperfections perlineal foot of wall while a less qualified contractor may generate arelatively large number of imperfections on average. This quality metricmay then be published to help future customers to select a contractor,or the quality metric used to rank contractors available for hire.

The same concept applies to the automotive industry as well. A body shopcan use the system 100 to track the performance of its technicians. If atechnician is missing too many imperfections (and therefore results inunsatisfied customers that have to return their vehicle for additionalcorrective work at the cost of the body shop), their poor performancecan be addressed. Similarly, an insurance company could use this system100 to track the performance of the body shops that it uses. A body shopthat misses a higher amount of imperfections (and therefore results inunsatisfied customers that have to return their vehicle for additionalcorrective work) will be less desirable for an insurance company to usethan a body shop that misses a lower amount of imperfections.

The system and method described above can take the form of an entirelyhardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodimentcontaining both hardware and software elements. In one embodiment, thesystem and method is implemented in software, which includes but is notlimited to firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.

One or more embodiments of the present invention may be implemented withone or more computer readable media, wherein each medium may beconfigured to include thereon data or computer executable instructionsfor manipulating data. The computer executable instructions include datastructures, objects, programs, routines, or other program modules thatmay be accessed by a processing system, such as one associated with ageneral-purpose computer or processor capable of performing variousdifferent functions or one associated with a special-purpose computercapable of performing a limited number of functions. Computer executableinstructions cause the processing system to perform a particularfunction or group of functions and are examples of program code meansfor implementing steps for methods disclosed herein. Furthermore, aparticular sequence of the executable instructions provides an exampleof corresponding acts that may be used to implement such steps. Examplesof computer readable media include random-access memory (“RAM”),read-only memory (“ROM”), programmable read-only memory (“PROM”),erasable programmable read-only memory (“EPROM”), electrically erasableprogrammable read-only memory (“EEPROM”), compact disk read-only memory(“CD-ROM”), or any other device or component that is capable ofproviding data or executable instructions that may be accessed by aprocessing system. Examples of mass storage devices incorporatingcomputer readable media include hard disk drives, magnetic disk drives,tape drives, optical disk drives, and solid state memory chips, forexample.

A data processing system suitable for storing and/or executing programcode comprises at least one processor coupled directly or indirectly tomemory elements through a system bus. The memory elements can includelocal memory employed during actual execution of the program code, bulkstorage, and cache memories that provide temporary storage of at leastsome program code in order to reduce the number of times code isretrieved from bulk storage during execution.

Input/output or I/O devices (including but not limited to keyboards,displays, pointing devices, etc.) can be coupled to the system eitherdirectly or through intervening I/O controllers.

Network adapters may also be coupled to the system to enable the dataprocessing system to become coupled to other data processing systems orremote printers or storage devices through intervening private or publicnetworks. Modems, cable modem and Ethernet cards are just a few of thecurrently available types of network adapters.

Described above, aspects of the present application are embodied in aWorld Wide Web (“WWW”) or (“Web”) site accessible via the Internet. Asis well known to those skilled in the art, the term “Internet” refers tothe collection of networks and routers that use the Transmission ControlProtocol/Internet Protocol (“TCP/IP”) to communicate with one another.The internet can include a plurality of local area networks (“LANs”) anda wide area network (“WAN”) that are interconnected by routers. Therouters are special purpose computers used to interface one LAN or WANto another.

Communication links within the LANs may be wireless, twisted wire pair,coaxial cable, or optical fiber, while communication links betweennetworks may utilize 56 Kbps analog telephone lines, 1 Mbps digital T-1lines, 45 Mbps T-3 lines or other communications links known to thoseskilled in the art.

Furthermore, computers and other related electronic devices can beremotely connected to either the LANs or the WAN via a digitalcommunications device, modem and temporary telephone, or a wirelesslink. It will be appreciated that the internet comprises a vast numberof such interconnected networks, computers, and routers.

The Internet has recently seen explosive growth by virtue of its abilityto link computers located throughout the world. As the Internet hasgrown, so has the WWW. As is appreciated by those skilled in the art,the WWW is a vast collection of interconnected or “hypertext” documentswritten in HTML, or other markup languages, that are electronicallystored at or dynamically generated by “WWW sites” or “Web sites”throughout the Internet. Additionally, client-side software programsthat communicate over the Web using the TCP/IP protocol are part of theWWW, such as JAVA®×applets, instant messaging, e-mail, browser plug-ins,Macromedia Flash, chat and others. Other interactive hypertextenvironments may include proprietary environments such as those providedin America Online or other online service providers, as well as the“wireless Web” provided by various wireless networking providers,especially those in the cellular phone industry. It will be appreciatedthat the present application could apply in any such interactivecommunication environments, however, for purposes of discussion, the Webis used as an exemplary interactive hypertext environment with regard tothe present application.

A web site is a server/computer connected to the Internet that hasmassive storage capabilities for storing hypertext documents and thatruns administrative software for handling requests for those storedhypertext documents as well as dynamically generating hypertextdocuments. Embedded within a hypertext document are a number ofhyperlinks, i.e., highlighted portions of text which link the documentto another hypertext document possibly stored at a web site elsewhere onthe Internet. Each hyperlink is assigned a URL that provides the name ofthe linked document on a server connected to the Internet. Thus,whenever a hypertext document is retrieved from any web server, thedocument is considered retrieved from the World Wide Web. Known to thoseskilled in the art, a web server may also include facilities for storingand transmitting application programs, such as application programswritten in the JAVA® programming language from Sun Microsystems, forexecution on a remote computer. Likewise, a web server may also includefacilities for executing scripts and other application programs on theweb server itself.

A remote access user may retrieve hypertext documents from the WorldWide Web via a web browser program. A web browser, such as Netscape'sNAVIGATOR® or Microsoft's Internet Explorer, is a software applicationprogram for providing a user interface to the WWW. Upon request from theremote access user via the web browser, the web browser requests thedesired hypertext document from the appropriate web server using the URLfor the document and the hypertext transport protocol (“HTTP”). HTTP isa higher-level protocol than TCP/IP and is designed specifically for therequirements of the WWW. HTTP runs on top of TCP/IP to transferhypertext documents and user-supplied form data between server andclient computers. The WWW browser may also retrieve programs from theweb server, such as JAVA applets, for execution on the client computer.Finally, the WWW browser may include optional software components,called plug-ins, that run specialized functionality within the browser.

Although the description above contains many specifications, theseshould not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but asmerely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferredembodiments of this invention.

Therefore, the invention has been disclosed by way of example and notlimitation, and reference should be made to the following claims todetermine the scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile surface inspection system comprising: a)a base having: i) two front legs pivotably coupled to the base, eachhaving a detent locking system; ii) two back legs rigidly coupled to thebase; and iii) four wheels, wherein each wheel is coupled to one of thelegs, each wheel having a lock that can be engaged to prevent movementof the wheel; b) at least one extendable arm coupled to the base, thearm comprising: i) a hollow first extension member rigidly coupled tothe base and having an open distal end; ii) a second extension memberconfigured to nest inside the first extension member and to extend outof and retract into the open distal end of the first extension member;iii) a bracket coupled to a distal end of the second extension member,the bracket having an extension extending from a center portion ofbracket; iv) a third extension member coupled to the bracket extension,the third extension member being hollow and having an open distal end;and v) a fourth extension member configured to nest inside the thirdextension member and to extend out of and retract into the open distalend of the third extension member; c) a pivotable joint connected to thefourth extension member; d) a light fixture removably connected to thepivotable joint, wherein the light fixture is configured to illuminate asurface from within three inches of the surface; e) a hollow tubularmember having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal endis coupled to the base and the tubular member extends from the basesubstantially parallel to the first extension member; f) a crossbarcoupled to and extending between the distal end of the first extensionmember and the distal end of the hollow tubular member; g) a power cordcoupled to the light fixture and extending down to the hollow tubularmember, wherein the cord is configured to retract into and extend out ofthe open distal end of the hollow tubular member; h) a handle coupled tothe extendable arm bracket; and i) a processor configured to: i) receivean image of the surface when illuminated by the light fixture; ii) applya high-pass filter to the image; iii) identify surface imperfectionsfrom the filtered image; and iv) output a position for each of thesurface imperfections.
 2. A mobile surface inspection system comprising:a) a base having: i) two front legs pivotably coupled to the base; ii)two back legs rigidly coupled to the base; and iii) four wheels, whereineach wheel is coupled to one of the legs; b) at least one extendable armcoupled to the base, the arm comprising: i) a hollow first extensionmember rigidly coupled to the base and having an open distal end; ii) asecond extension member configured to nest inside the first extensionmember and to extend out of and retract into the open distal end of thefirst extension member; iii) a third extension member being hollow andhaving an open distal end; and iv) a fourth extension member configuredto nest inside the third extension member and to extend out of andretract into the open distal end of the third extension member; c) apivotable joint connected to the fourth extension member; d) a lightfixture removably connected to the pivotable joint; e) a hollow tubularmember having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal endis coupled to the base; f) a power cord coupled to the light fixture andextending down to the hollow tubular member, wherein the cord isconfigured to retract into and extend out of the open distal end of thehollow tubular member; and g) a processor configured to: i) receive animage of the surface when illuminated by the light fixture; ii) apply ahigh-pass filter to the image; iii) identify surface imperfections fromthe filtered image; and iv) output a position for each of the surfaceimperfections.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein each front leg has adetent locking system.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein each wheel hasa lock that can be engaged to prevent movement of the wheel.
 5. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein the extendable arm has a bracket coupled to adistal end of the second extension member, the bracket having anextension extending from a center portion of bracket to which the thirdextension member is coupled.
 6. The system of claim 2, wherein thetubular member extends from the base substantially parallel to the firstextension member.
 7. The system of claim 2, further comprising acrossbar coupled and extending between the distal end of the firstextension member and the distal end of the hollow tubular member.
 8. Thesystem of claim 2, further comprising a handle coupled to the extendablearm.
 9. A mobile surface inspection system comprising: a) a base having:i) at least one front leg coupled to the base; ii) at least one back legcoupled to the base; and iii) at least one wheel coupled to one of thelegs; b) at least one extendable arm coupled to the base, the armcomprising: i) a hollow first extension member coupled to the base andhaving an open distal end; ii) a second extension member configured tonest inside the first extension member and to extend out of and retractinto the open distal end of the first extension member; iii) a thirdextension member third extension member being hollow and having an opendistal end; and iv) a fourth extension member configured to nest insidethe third extension member and to extend out of and retract into theopen distal end of the third extension member; c) a pivotable jointconnected to the fourth extension member; d) a light fixture removablyconnected to the pivotable joint; and e) a hollow tubular member havinga proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is coupled tothe base.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein each front leg has a detentlocking system.
 11. The system of claim 9, wherein each wheel has a lockthat can be engaged to prevent movement of the wheel.
 12. The system ofclaim 9, wherein the extendable arm has a bracket coupled to a distalend of the second extension member, the bracket having an extensionextending from a center portion of bracket to which the third extensionmember is coupled.
 13. The system of claim 9, wherein the tubular memberextends from the base substantially parallel to the first extensionmember.
 14. The system of claim 9, further comprising a crossbar coupledto and extending between the distal end of the first extension memberand the distal end of the hollow tubular member.
 15. The system of claim9, further comprising a handle coupled to the extendable arm.
 16. Thesystem of claim 9, further comprising a power cord coupled to the lightfixture and extending down to the hollow tubular member, wherein thecord is configured to retract into and extend out of the open distal endof the hollow tubular member.
 17. The system of claim 9, furthercomprising a processor configured to: a) receive an image of the surfacewhen illuminated by the light fixture; b) apply a high-pass filter tothe image; c) identify surface imperfections from the filtered image;and d) output a position for each of the surface imperfections.
 18. Amethod of using a mobile surface inspection system, the methodcomprising the steps of: a) providing the system of claim 1; b) turningon the light fixture; c) placing the system in close proximity to asurface to be inspected; d) receiving an image of the surface on theprocessor; e) applying a high-pass filter to the image; f) identifyingsurface imperfections from the filtered image; and g) outputting aposition for each of the surface imperfections.
 19. A method of using amobile surface inspection system, the method comprising the steps of: a)providing the system of claim 2; b) turning on the light fixture; c)placing the system in close proximity to a surface to be inspected; d)receiving an image of the surface on the processor; e) applying ahigh-pass filter to the image; f) identifying surface imperfections fromthe filtered image; and g) outputting a position for each of the surfaceimperfections.
 20. A method of using a mobile surface inspection system,the method comprising the steps of: a) providing the system of claim 9;b) turning on the light fixture; c) placing the system in closeproximity to a surface to be inspected; d) receiving an image of thesurface on the processor; e) applying a high-pass filter to the image;f) identifying surface imperfections from the filtered image; and g)outputting a position for each of the surface imperfections.